Mahale National Park
A chimpanzee paradise, where fantasy mountains and forests rise out of Lake Tanganyika.
The final hour of your journey to this far flung Garden of Eden is by boat on a cobalt blue lake, stretching 500 miles north to south and a mile below. As the fishing villages thin out and mountains rise, you begin to sense how much you've left behind. Time slows down in the silence of no roads for a hundred miles. The beauty is irrepressible. We’ve seen hunting dog on these beaches, bushbuck, even the pennant-winged night-jar.
Life here is a hedonistic wilderness cocktail. In the forest, as well as a completely wild-living, but habituated group of chimpanzees, live nine other species of primate, leopards and a host of shy forest creatures. Around them, streams are strung with vines, ripening fruit and jasmine flowers. By the beaches, with tropical fish around them like butterflies, hippopotami bob in its clear waters.
Our Camps in Mahale National Park
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When to go
January
Interesting chimp dynamics.
LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off.
Chimps begin to disperse into smaller, tighter family groups as the community spreads out to ensure ample food for all. An interesting time to see the dynamics of chimpanzee politics, because dispersal shows the strength of relationships.
A little more rain around and weather can be unpredictable, though it seldom spoils the fun. Still warm.
February
Good chimping but longer treks possible.
LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off.
A lovely time. Small clusters of close-knit chimps forage and patrol their favourite areas, including the beach/forest edge. Walks to find the chimps can be longer sometimes but it's unpredictable.
The odd shower over the forest and sometimes dramatic storms over the lake. Sunny patches in between but can also be grey. Mostly warm.
March
Longer treks, often very rewarding.
LOW season rates for the first half of March. Get up to 45% off.
Redtailed monkeys and trumpeter hornbills watch over the camp from the forest edge. The chimpanzees are moving higher up the slopes to take advantage of more fruit in the upper slopes of the forest. They tend to come together in larger groups more often.
Heavy rain possible.
April
May
June
Big groups of chimps, can be higher up.
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips, fishing and forest walks.
Chimpanzees can often be found in big groups but can be quite high in the forest taking advantage of an abundance of fruit in the upper slopes. Walking is easier but can be longer at times.
The start of dry season - warm days with sporadic showers but generally dry underfoot.
July
Chimps, fishing, dhow trips - paradise.
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips, fishing and forest walks.
Chimps are still enjoying the fruit-rich slopes and can be found congregating in large groups. Mornings spent exploring this magnificent forest, following the hooting calls of chimps are rewarding. Afternoons are spent relaxing on the boat or in camp.
Dry season progresses and it doesn't often rain. Sunny days and pleasant temperatures.
August
Chimps, fishing, dhow trips - paradise.
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips, fishing and forest walks.
Chimps follow the fruiting patterns, and the lower slopes are beginning to produce ripe fruit. Chimps can be heard hooting and screeching in the forest behind the camp. The weather is perfect for enjoying the Lake and boats during the rest of the day.
Still dry. Still very warm, the lake is constantly appreciated for its cooling swims and breezes.
September
Chimps, fishing, dhow trips - paradise.
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips, fishing and forest walks.
As in August, chimps are not high in the mountains anymore, reducing the trekking time. Afternoon boat trip and a plunge into the lake, then cruise back to camp to sample your freshly caught fish…sashimi at the sunset bar.
The dry forest provides lovely but challenging photographic light, interspersing light and shady patches. Afternoons are hot, but the lake is the remedy, or the chill-out deck of your room with a good book.
October
Chimps, fishing, dhow trips - paradise.
All the magic of Greystoke from chimp trekking to sunset dhow trips, fishing and forest walks.
Chimps are still low, often in the vicinity of camp. Signs of other animals including leopard, warthog and baboons are seen. Beach life is still idyllic.
Fluffy clouds roll in and the odd shower is to be expected, but the beach and the forest remain very warm and the sun always manages to make and appearance.
November
Chimps still low, the odd shower.
LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off.
Despite the odd shower, the chimps are still on the lower slopes, which is always good news.
The rain forest begins once again to live up to its name this month, so you may need your poncho. The sun does come out and sunsets are more vivid than ever.
December
Christmas off the map.
LOW season rates. Get up to 45% off before Christmas.
Chimps are expected to still be within reasonable reach so trekking, while never easy, should not be too long. Make the most of the boat, fishing and relaxing in between.
Holiday season on the beach, mere steps from the forest, is a welcome respite from the cold for most visitors to Africa. Plenty of sunshine but expect the odd shower or storm on the Lake.
